Bonding

Agent
Plaster
(Skim Coat)
Base Coat
Plaster
Finish Coat
Plaster
GENERAL DESIGN INFORMATION:
Gypsum plaster may be used to decorate the interior side
of concrete and masonry walls. This practice is centuries
old in Europe and still practical today. The need for additional
weatherproofing on the exterior side will depend on exposure
to the elements, thickness of the wall and/or exterior cladding.
Gypsum plaster provides sound absorbing and attenuation
qualities to concrete and/or masonry walls. Gypsum plaster
may be used to level a wall to provide a flat attractive surface.
Gypsumplaster should not be applied in thicknesses over
3
/4
of an inch without metal reinforcement (lath) to any substrate.
For walls requiring more than 1
1
/2 inch thick plaster, the
TSIB suggests furring the wall out and applying lath.
SKIM COAT:
For substrates no more than
1
/4 inch out of tolerance, a
skim coat of finish gypsum plaster may be used. The TSIB
suggests a veneer plaster for skim coating. Veneer plaster
may be one or two-coat applications. Two-coat applications
are typically done the same day. If the second coat is
applied more than 12 hours after the first coat, a bonding
agent is recommended.
CAVEAT: Gypsum plaster is not intended to be exposed to
moisture and/or high humidity for prolonged periods of
time. The TSIB suggests the use of Portland cement plaster
over concrete walls and/or masonry walls for walls exposed
to moisture.
ABUSE RESISTANCE:
Gypsum plaster is fairly abuse resistant. For extreme
requirements, gypsummanufacturers produce a Hi-abuse
resistance gypsum plaster. These plasters are suitable
for security areas such as police stations, jails and
correctional facilities. (continued on back)
T E C H N I C A L B U L L E T I N
Technical Services
Information Bureau
GypsumPlaster Over Concrete/Masonry Substrates
70.112
M A R C H 2 0 0 8
7
0
.
1
1
2
Unit Masonary Concrete
SURFACE PREPARATION:
The bond of any plaster to a cement or masonry substrate
depends on good suction. Some masonry products and
concrete have poor suction and bonding the plaster will
be questionable. Coatings may have been applied to the
masonry or concrete that may inhibit a good bond. Examples
of products applied to cement/masonry substrates that
limit bonding abilities for plaster are:
Loose paint
Form release oils
Damp-proofing
Waterproofing
Bituminous compounds
Curing compounds
Removal of bond breaking coatings is recommended by
sandblasting, grinding, power washing, acid washing or
chipping. Surface should be free of dirt, friable particles
and allowed to dry prior to plastering. The applicator of the
gypsumplaster may choose to dampen the substrate to even
the suction and make application of the plaster workable.
Some new concrete products have admixtures blended at
the factory to provide enhanced waterproofing abilities.
The plasterer may not be aware of these admixtures and
should be notified if these products have been used as they
can create bonding problems
BONDING AGENTS:
The use of a bonding agents will aid in the ability of the
gypsumplaster to key to a questionable substrate coating.
The use of the bonding agent may not be adequate in all
applications. Well adhered paint coatings may not be
strong enough to hold the additional weight of the plaster,
particularly after the plaster has put tension on the paint
coating during its initial set. Test patches are strongly
recommended to ensure a good long lasting bond of plaster
to masonry/concrete substrates. The TSIB suggests gypsum
plaster applied to no more than a maximum thickness of
1
/2 inch when relying on a bonding agent.
Always use plaster and bonding products in strict
accordance with manufacturers recommendations.
MASONRY/CMU (CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS):
On new masonry/CMU walls, it is recommended to have
the grout joints struck flush when a plaster is to be
applied. This will help prevent joints from telegraphing
through the plaster. If the grout joints are tooled, the
options are:
A base coat of sanded gypsum plaster and finish coat
A skim coat of sanded veneer gypsum plaster and a
finish coat
Two coats of finish plaster (veneer plaster)
A skim coat of veneer plaster or setting type joint
compound over the joint and struck flush to the
masonry face and a finish coat of plaster
A single skim coat of finish plaster over tooled joints may
allow the joints to telegraph.
This technical document is to serve as a guideline and is not intended
for any specific construction project. The TSIB makes no warranty or
guarantee, expressed or implied.
1910 Nor t h Li me St r eet Or ange, CA 92865- 4123 ( 714) 221- 5530 Fax ( 714) 221- 5535 www. t si b. or g
Technical Services Information Bureau
70.112 (PAGE 2)